Solar company put on notice

A company which was supplying and installing solar systems in Alice Springs has been put on notice by South Australia's consumer watchdog.

Compliance action was taken against Adelaide based 'GreatSolar Solutions' last month, following an investigation by SA's Consumer and Business Services (CBS).

South Australia's Consumer Affairs Commissioner, Paul White said the company was 'accepting deposits from consumers for the supply and installation of solar systems when there were reasonable grounds to indicate that they could not supply these goods.'

Co-directors of the Adelaide-based solar company, Charles Kwok Wong and Han Kun Yang, signed an enforcable undertaking on the 18th October, banning them from accepting any new contracts in South Australia.

The company has also been ordered to fulfil all existing South Australian contracts within two months.

"CBS will continue to work with the company directors until I am satisfied consumers can safely engage with GreatSolar," says Mr White.

GreatSolar Solutions were promoting a deal for new customers in Alice Springs to purchase a 4.5kW system for $7,128, payable in monthly installments.

The offer was valid up until the end of July this year.

NT Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Gary Clements, says no complaints have been registered against GreatSolar Solutions from consumers in Alice Springs.

"I believe the business has installed a number of units in Alice Springs but certainly we haven't received any complaints about their work to date," he says.

"However we have had some enquiries regarding the operation of [GreatSolar] here in the Northern Territory."

Mr Clements says it's his understanding that the company closed its operations in Alice Springs several weeks ago.

He has urged consumers to contact the Department on 1800 019 319 if they have any concerns.

"We certainly do monitor this industry and would be prepared to take steps necessary to ensure that consumers are protected should we find that these sorts of issues arise," he says.

A representative from GreatSolar Solutions could not be contacted for comment.